Sadly, one of the biggest causes of sales falling through or running in to problems is missing or delayed paperwork.
All to often people "stick" their properties on the market without checking their paperwork and then run in to delays which can take months to sort out.
It's the wrong thing to do. If you are missing paperwork, it's better to know now so you can start sorting it out whilst you have time, rather than waiting until you are half way through your sale when you don't.
NB: If you think you might have missing paperwork, why not have a chat to your local "How To Sell A House" guide, simply click "Need A Little Help". In the meantime, let's have quick a look at the paperwork you will need to complete. Click "Next Page" to continue.
Understanding Your Homes Energy Performance in the UK
⚠️. It is a legal requirement to have a valid energy performance rating (certificate) for your home if you are renting or selling it
We're not here to get in to the debate about saving the planet but we are here to report it's become a really big deal in the property world at the moment. More and more buyers, lenders and solicitors are scrutinising over property's energy efficiency.
The truth is: If you are thinking of selling in the short term expensive improvements such as solar are probably not going to pay you the dividends their cost implies, but things like lack of insulation will count against you and you may find yourself having to improve them if your property is not up to standard.
First Things First: If you haven't got an up to date Energy Performance Rating get one done. They are in expensive and will give you a road map of where you are today and where you could be tomorrow.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Quick & Cheap Fixes To Improve Your Homes Energy Performance
Insulate, Insulate, Insulate!
Good insulation is the best place to start. Loft and cavity wall insulation can stop heat escaping, making your home warmer and cheaper to run.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Switch to LED Lighting
LED bulbs use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs — and they last for years. A small change that quickly pays off!
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Seal Up Draughts
Check around windows, doors, and floors for cold spots. Simple draught-proofing strips or sealants can make a big difference to comfort and cost.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Longer Term Solutions To Add Value To Your Home
Replace Old Windows and Doors
Single-glazed windows and old doors can let out a lot of heat. Switching to double or triple glazing keeps your home warmer, quieter, and more secure.
If new windows aren’t in the budget, draught-proofing strips are a cheap but effective alternative.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Upgrade Your Boiler or Heating System
Old boilers can waste a lot of energy. Switch to an A-rated boiler or add a smart thermostat so you only heat your home when you need to.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Go Green with Renewables
If your budget allows, solar panels or heat pumps can save money long-term and increase your property’s value.
Quick Links To Local People Who Can Help:
Start Small, Save Big
The point is, you don’t have to spend a fortune — small steps can make your home more efficient, comfortable, and appealing to buyers.
Top Tip: Talk to a qualified local domestic energy assessor first.
As mentioned in costs. It is a legal requirement to have an "Energy Performance Rating" carried before you put your property on the market. Your local "Domestic Energy Assessor" will pop round and tell you ways to improve your rating and supply you with your "Energy Performance Certificate" which will also be made available online.
If you are going to be putting your property on the market in the next few months you should really think about ordering yours today so you can check it off your "Things To Do List"
Use the link below if you haven't done already to find your local "Domestic Energy Assessors".
First impressions really count — Poor photographs, cluttered rooms, bold colour choices, they will all work against you and the price you achieve.
There Are Only 2 Types Of Buyer Out There.
Premium Buyers - They do not want to do any work and are prepared to pay top money for the right property.
DIY / Speculative Buyers - They are happy to do work but want the biggest house for the cheapest price.
As a seller you need to choose which buyer you want to attract.
Do Not Under Estimate The Power Of Presentation
It can literally add or subtract up to 30% of the value of your home. Which for a £450,000 house is a £150,000.
Simple Changes Can Have Dramatic Affects
Below we have used AI to show how making some changes can add substantial value to your property as well as increase its chances of selling.
The Outside.
When a buyer sees your property for the first time online it's all about the photos, if they are poorly taken or do not look inviting they will move on to the next listing. When a buyer pulls up outside the front of your house it will all be about the kerb appeal, suffice to say, that initial impression will dictate the mood for the rest of the viewing.
Kerb Appeal & Outside Areas What To Do, Why & Who To Use Locally
General Decor & Room Presentation
What To Do, Why & Who To Use Locally
Kitchens & Bathrooms.
These are the "Big Ticket" items in any home. At the very least they need to look super clean, clear and fresh ...
Kitchens & Bathrooms What To Do & Who To Use Locally
The Cost - You don't have to spend a fortune. but as you can see, with a bit of effort and a few tricks of the trade, you can turn your home in to a show piece as well as add tens of thousands of pounds to its final sale price. The secret is knowing where to start and where to stop. There is no point spending your hard earned cash if you are not going to see a real return on that investment.
Interior Designers / Professional Home-Staging...
In America there is an entire industry focused upon helping people set their homes up to sell - It's called "Home Staging". In the UK "Interior Designers" are here to help and often work with developers to add tens of thousands of pounds to the prices they achieve.
If you are struggling to know what to do for the best why not get in touch with a local interior designer, they are great with colours and will know exactly how to help set your home up to sell.
You can find out more about who's local and what they can do for you clicking below ...
Alternatively, if we are live in your area, why not use our Pre-Sale Home Appraisal service. Your local property guide is here to make sure you get the right advice and best price for your home.
As much as 30% of a property's value lies within it's condition and the way it is presented for sale. In America they call it "Home Staging" and it's a big business. Property developers make millions of pounds a year doing it and now more and more UK home owners are getting onboard with how important it is to set their homes up to sell.
For Example: 30% of a £300,000 is £100,000 - It's a huge amount of money to lose
It Doesn't Have To Be Expensive To Add Value To Your Home. When homeowners decide to sell, many immediately think they need a new kitchen, a luxury bathroom or an expensive extension. In reality, that's rarely what buyers are looking for.
A home that looks clean and feels well looked after can make all the difference. Most people decide how they feel about a property within seconds of viewing it online or within the first few minutes of walking through the front door.
Most buyers aren't out to buy bricks and mortar—they're out to buy a place to call home.
The Good News
Creating that feeling doesn't always require a large budget. Here are five simple improvements that can help make your home more appealing, attract more buyers and, in many cases, achieve a better sale price.
It's not about spending more it's about presenting better.
One of the biggest misconceptions in property is that achieving a higher sale price requires spending thousands of pounds. Often, the opposite is true. Homes that are clean, well presented, well maintained and realistically priced consistently attract more interest than homes that rely on expensive improvements but overlook the basics.
Buyers notice attention to detail:
They notice cleanliness.
They notice care.
And they often assume the rest of the property has been looked after just as well. SO here is our quick guide to setting your home up to sell without spending a fortune.
Declutter and Depersonalise
This is often the quickest and least expensive improvement you can make. Buyers need to imagine themselves living in your home—not feel like they're visiting yours.
Top Tips:
Hire a local storage unit and remove excess furniture, family photographs, children's artwork and unnecessary ornaments - instantly your room will feel larger and brighter.
Not sure what to keep and what to put in to storage - Speak to a local interior designer, they'll also help you with colours and future room arrangement too.
Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:
Now that you're moving, you need to think of your property more as a product rather than a home.
Freshen Up with Paint
Few improvements offer a better return than a fresh coat of paint. Scuffed walls, bold colours and tired woodwork can make an otherwise well-maintained home feel neglected.
Neutral shades such as warm whites, soft greys and light beige create a clean, modern feel and appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:
It's amazing how much brighter and more welcoming a room can feel after a weekend with a paint roller.
Let the Light In
Cleanliness and natural light are tow of the biggest selling features any home can have.
Open curtains and blinds fully before every viewing.
Wash windows inside and out.
Replace dim light bulbs.
Trim bushes that block sunlight.
Add mirrors where appropriate to reflect light into darker areas.
Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:
Bright homes feel larger, cleaner and more inviting.
Fix the Little Things
It's often the smallest problems that leave the biggest impression. For example:
A dripping tap.
A squeaky door.
Loose handles.
Cracked sealant.
Missing light bulbs.
Chipped paint.
None of these repairs are particularly expensive, but together they can suggest a property hasn't been properly cared for.
Buyers inevitably begin asking themselves:
"If these obvious jobs haven't been done, what bigger problems might be hiding?"
Spend a day walking through your home as though you were viewing it for the first time and create a list of every small repair. You'll be surprised how much confidence those little fixes can inspire.
Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:
Improve Your Kerb Appeal
First impressions start long before buyers reach your front door. The outside of your property sets expectations for everything they'll see inside.
Simple improvements can make an enormous difference:
Mow the lawn.
Weed flower beds.
Pressure wash driveways and patios.
Clean windows.
Repaint the front door if necessary.
Replace tired house numbers.
Add seasonal plants or hanging baskets.
Keep wheelie bins out of sight where possible.
Quick Links to Local People Who Can Help:
Remember—you only get one chance to make a first impression.
Need A Little Help?
Buyers rarely fall in love with expensive homes. They fall in love with homes that feel cared for, welcoming and ready to move into.
Sometimes, it's the smallest improvements that make the biggest difference.
If you are struggling to work out where to start and where to stop why not have a chat with your local property guide.
